Christmas 2017

                                                         

Merry Merry Christmas 2017! We have a new puppy!
Lucky is no longer the only dog in our world! Now we have 13 week old Millie, an english cream Golden Retriever. We are having a blast raising another pup!

Brianna graduates in May! Can't believe these four years at the University of South Carolina blew by so fast. She is working on a gubenetorial campaign, and just landed a gig this spring working at The Masters! So she's busy as ever!

Gracie is cast in TWO plays. The first, as Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the seconds as Nala in The Lion King. She is continuing her voice lessons and she's a wonderful student in school. Next year she'll be in high school!






Jami and Derek Emory are enjoying their life as a married couple! They bought a new house and have a big beautiful yard for their three dogs! Life is grand and we can't wait to spend some time with them over Christmas!















Mike and I continue to plug away in the news and basketball worlds. I am loving the new studio I have moved to in Greenville where I anchor the news in the windows of South Carolinas rock star city - Greenville. It's been so much fun to be in a brand new state of the art studio!








Much love! Come visit if you are ever in the Carolinas!

Amy (and Mike, Brianna, Gracie, Jami and Derek)

2016! Unforgettable!

What a year! Jami got married!! A whirlwind year of wedding preparation!
It was a small and glorious celebration on top of Glassy Mountain.
The weather was perfect! The bride and groom even more so!

Jami and Derek had such a wonderful day!
We are so thrilled to have Derek as our son in law!



And we were so touched that Jami made her sisters her maids of honor!





Now here come the bills!

The Notre Dame graduation trip was just awesome!
Jami picked up her specialty MBA in Non Profit Administration!




That was just a week before Jami started her new job!
She's now in charge of fundraising for the Children's Museum of the Upstate!
It's an amazing operation that opened when Gracie was 4!
We used to go with Grandpa during his visits to SC!



Brianna spent the summer interning with SC Senator Lindsey Graham.
She lived right on Capitol Hill and walked past the Supreme Court to work each morning!
The staff seemed to love her and she loved them!
And she gave us the coolest behind scenes tour - even getting us out on the Speakers Balcony!




Brianna's headed into Senior year at USC next year!
She can't wait to get out and work in the real world of politics!
She was a fervent Jeb Bush supporter and worked for the campaign..
She wound up on stage with Jeb Bush, after helping lead the effort on USC campus.
And Brianna was thrilled to meet President Bush, during his one and only SC appearance.





Gracie - was a reporter for Scholastic News Kids Press out of NY in 2016!
At 12 she interviewed Donald Trump,  Dr. Ben Carson, Martin O'Malley.
She also got a smile from Hillary Clinton during the press photo "spray" at the start of the debate in Charleston.
Her Trump interview was picked up by NPR  and USA Today and Christian Science Monitor.


Meet The Press anchor Chuck Todd did a one on one interview with Gracie.
Face The Nation host John Dickerson invited Gracie behind the scenes for his broadcast live from Greenville, SC.





The local newspaper got a kick out of Gracie testing the journalism waters.
ALL of her interviews from Campaign 2016 are on THIS LINK.

Gracie's moved on past her taste of Journalism to maintain her steadfast goal of becoming a heart surgeon one day.

But in the meantime she's singing!
She made the "show" choir at school called Southern Accents  - a group of 15 kids who do special appearances.
And she competed for Best Singer in the District, with a goal of wining her middle school age group.
She wound up winning the whole thing - over the high schoolers to be the 2016 Best Singer In The District.



























A week later she headed to the state competition, where she didn't place, but she had a blast!
The competition was fierce and fun!



Mike and I are truly enjoying life!

I was honored by the SC Broadcasters as Anchor of the Year for 2016!
I too did a  Trump Interview.  Also had one on ones with Bush and Rubio.
And I met Barbara Bush and had a very quick interview with her!
We had so many huge and sad stories over the last year that rocked our state from the Charleston Church Shooting and trial to the Serial Killer case that led to a quadruple murder being solved THE NIGHT OF JAMI'S WEDDING!
Yes! I broke the story LIVE from the wedding!

Mike is busy as ever, from his board work, to running the refs in THREE basketball leagues, to his THREE girls!
Oh.. and his ONE boy!
He adores #OurDogLucky!








LIFE is FULL! And we are blessed. We hope to find some time to get together with you this coming year!  Time is just going toooooo fast!   Much love!

The Wood Family
Amy Mike Brianna Gracie  #OurDogLucky.and Jami and Derek Emory

Merry Christmas 2015!

We are gearing up for a BIG 2016!
Jami got ENGAGED!

Derek Emory is her fiance! He is WONDERFUL and we ADORE him!
We celebrated with an engagement party this fall!
Jami's got her heart set on a small wedding in the mountains next Fall!
We can't wait!

By then, she'll have her MBA from Notre Dame!


Brianna is a dedicated intern with the Jeb Bush campaign.
She's in her Sophomore year at the University of South Carolina!
And her focus is POLITICS!











And Brianna is now a Delta Delta Delta!
She is hoping to study abroad this spring/summer!









Gracie is reporting! That's right she is the new Scholastic News Kids Press Corps reporter!



They picked only 27 new reporters in the world from hundreds of applications! She's been covering a lot of politics, since SC is the first in the South primary in February!  We can't wait to see what else she is asked to cover this year. She loves reminding folks that I am in local news, and that she is a national correspondent.   Keep an eye on her work on this link: http://kpcnotebook.scholastic.com/author/gracie-wood

Graice also made the cut for the Best Singer In The District Competition! It was a really fun night and she sang beautifully!



We're getting to the beach and the mountains as much as our busy lives allow.



Our Dog Lucky is a hoot!
He runs the household and is a love machine!

He's settled down after all that puppy madness and we now believe he IS the best dog in the world!

Mike and I are doing great! Busy as ever keeping up with our gang!



Stay in touch! And if you're planning to visit Charleston or the Greenville Spartanburg area please let us know! We would love to see you!

The worst of years... the best of years - 2014

Christmas.  

It's here. And it's not the same.

It's my first without BOTH parents.

It's hard. Really hard!

But I am still so blessed.

I have a wonderful brother who will fly across the country to be with us for Christmas! And who spread my dad's ashes just outside the State House in Stockholm my parents loved so much. He took dad on one last boat ride. There. in Stockholm.. The city we all loved.

I am grateful for beautiful children who brighten my every day.

But I could never have made it through this last difficult year without my supportive and loving husband,  Mike.

From the need we saw to step in and help my dad move to South Carolina, to the difficult days during and after my dad's unexpected death - Mike has guided me through some very confusing and upsetting waters. From August 2014 to this very moment!

I wouldn't have made it without his help.

All three of our girls have faced life challenges beyond losing their grandpa this year.  And we are so proud of their strength and accomplishments.

Brianna graduated HIGH SCHOOL!

And then in a blink of an eye, was off to college! COLLEGE!

She's had a strong start at the University of South Carolina and is very much looking forward to an internship with a state Representative in 2015! Brianna has been enjoying The College Republicans and she has logged impressive miles road tripping to see friends at Wofford, Clemson, Georgia and other campuses!

Our picture on our "traditional card" this year is from the "Deb Ball" aka the Debutante Ball!

I am a  member of the Magnolia Club of Spartanburg and it was such an incredible time spent with Brianna last Spring! We had so hoped grandpa would be with us. But the chairs filled with many dear friends and family!

It was a VERY special night. We will never forget it!

Gracie started a new school - and didn't let the "new kid" thing phase her a bit. She ran for student council President and won!

She's super busy with Hip Hop, Dance Ensemble, Archery, Choir, Voice Lessons PLUS that role as Madame President!

And that ice rink is open again downtown - so you know where you'll find Gracie!

Gracie's biggest news came just as they were wrapping things up for Christmas break! She auditioned for the school play! They are doing Annie and on her last day before vacation she found out she will play the role of Miss Hannigan! She's going to go nuts with Uncle Jamie and I singing songs with her during break. We saw the ORIGINAL on BROADWAY and our Aunt was the tutor for the cast - so we got a behind stage tour etc! We know ALL about Annie!

Oh.. and did I mention THE HAIRCUT?!?!?

Gracie cut all her hair off as she started that new school. This was her reaction to 15 inches gone!

Jami Wood continues to amaze juggling a full time job with grad school in Notre Dame's non profit administration program.  She is the world's best big sister! And she is my treasured step child. LOVE her so much! She is always there for her sisters. I can't tell you the peace that gives me in my heart. We are a small family... THEY will always have each other. Jami is constantly "there" for them. Concerts. Special occasions. Family dinners. She is the best. 

Mike is keeping the ref world rolling in three leagues as Supervisor of Officials. This is a busy time of the year! . 

We feel blessed that we get to see all of our girls on a regular basis - and cannot believe how fast time is flying by!

There is also in this crazy year of loss and change - a big GAIN! We have #OurDogLucky!

That's right Mike CAVED and gave in to Gracie's endless campaign for this four legged friend. And we all LOVE him. 

And yes! There is finally another BOY in the Wood home! All of Mike's ref friends say the dog name should have been "When Hell Freezes Over" - Mike's standard line when "Daddy can I have a dog?" came up. 


We launched a new set at WSPA in 2014! Exciting times at the place many of us still can't help but call TV7! 

It is incredible  to think I have spent 24 years at this place! And I am headed into year 25!!!

It blows my mind...  thinking back to what REALLY matters!

The JOY I felt with my dad.. finally in MY town... able to see the news each night. I spent my dinner breaks with him nightly - and I am so glad I did!  We made some incredible memories... together...  and with the girls! None of us will ever forget those very special weeks we had with dad/grandpa... never knowing it would be the last time we would have with him.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas. It's so important to enjoy each and every moment we have with those we love.

Here's to those still with us and those who've moved ahead! 

How we miss them!

2014 here we come!

When your child is a Senior they warn you the year will fly by - and "they" weren't kidding! Especially when your dad moves to town! (more on this BIG news later!) This year feels like a rocket launch! So much is happening!

Brianna  - pictured top left - is headed for a career in politics. She's applying to some impressive schools - like Georgetown, University of Virginia, George Mason, Rhoades and University of South Carolina.   This week South Carolina and George Mason gave Brianna the big thumbs up! Stay tuned for news on where she lands! Brianna's trip last month, to Youth In Government in the state capital - led to her bill passing! And she received an award for her legislation! 

This summer she was invited to study foreign policy at American University and aced the intensive summer class! She's poised to launch her next chapter, with passion and momentum that will carry her far! We're very very proud!
Gracie is now in 4th grade and ice skating this winter has become her new found joy. 

She's also taken up violin this year and continues to dance her heart out weekly for three hours in jazz tap lyrical and ballet. Gracie's also discovered the newest kid craze - Rainbow Loom and if she's not on the ice, she's in the living room making more bracelets, rings and necklaces! She's having a blast, and keeping good grades!

Lola, Dixie and Jami

Jami Wood is a Notre Dame girl! She's in grad school, while maintaining a full time position fundraising for the hospital system and loving on our grand dogs Dixie and Lola! Up top on the card, you see her with one of Notre Dame's most famous graduates - Reg! (Regis Philbin)  - when he came to the area for a hospital event. The Fighting Irish decided Jami was a perfect candidate for their speciality MBA in Non Profit Administration. We're so proud of Jami and know this will position her for great professional challenges!

Dad, agreed to move to South Carolina to be closer to us and get some extra care in the area's premiere assisted living community.  


He celebrated his 80th birthday on December 7th, with a special dinner and then a performance of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra! We've already enjoyed trips with dad to the beach and mountains! It's great to have Grandpa closer, especially during this busy year of graduations, debutante balls, school performances and more! Email me to get his address and or phone number:  AmyWoodTV@Gmail.com



Mike and I are remaining busy as ever professionally and enjoyed a rare evening together - when we were added to the guest list for Rev. Billy Graham's 95th birthday party! It was an amazing and humbling evening - as I was saved at Rev. Graham's crusade in Stockholm, Sweden in the late 70's! It meant so much to be there!

Uncle Jamie will be with us for Christmas.  He continues to audition and train in Los Angeles. Last year he returned to Sweden for a winter visit. This year he has plans to enjoy Sweden in the summer! We can't wait to see him in South Carolina!

We miss Mike's mom and dad - Sarah and Quenton and my mom Catherine so much at the holidays and always! They left us a legacy of love and wisdom that continues to shape all of our lives.  

Keep us posted on your adventures in 2014!

Wishing you health and happiness and the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

The Lilly Pulizer car - Brianna drove it for her boss at Pink On Main as part of a marketing blitz. She works here part time!

Christmas 2012

Reality is hitting!

We're in a race against time to treasure Brianna before she lauches into the college world! Our Junior is passionate about politics and excited about hunting for the perfect college. We'll be taking a big trip this spring to launch the campus visits.

Brianna's launching a debate team at school. And this year she's been involved with the Mayor's Service Board, SC Youth In Government, and a service club at school. She's still cheering and has plans to play soccer this Spring. This is also the "Year of the Car" - yes, we have a driver on the road. And with all of her activities, that has been a good thing! 

Brianna also landed a job at a local clothing boutique, where I suspect most paychecks cycle the money right back into the store! And FINALLY Brianna's braces are off!

Gracie will hit the stage in February. She's in third grade and landed a role in the youth theater production of "Harold And The Purple Crayon." She's also had some fun going "viral" with a video that got picked up by an internet show, and the Huffington Post! 

Gracie LOVES to read, and that's a GOOD thing! And last January Gracie proved she is truly a magnet for cameras when Fox News decided to make a story out of her in the middle of the primary season in SC.

Jami is going to go after her masters! She is super talented and continues to do an amazing job at the regional hospital foundation! We get to see her often and it's amazing how she keeps her busy professional life going, yet still finds time to build a tremendous relationship with her sisters! They both ADORE her! As do stepmom and dad!

Mike continues to supervise officials in three basketball leagues, and left American Storage this year,  after decades leading American Storage.  

I've had a wonderful year! The South Carolina Broadcaster's Association named me Anchor of the Year for 2012! Truly an honor! We won another Emmy for our 11pm show too! I'm starting year 23 at WSPA TV, 26 in the business and if you count my stories for the local newspapers and our high school TV shows - I've been broadcasting as a journalist for THIRTY years! And I'm excited to be a new member of the Magnolia Debutante Club!  I am making wonderful new friends.  Brianna will make her debut April of 2014!

My dad and Jamie will be in for Christmas. It's always a special time! Look forward to it all year!

We think of those no longer with us... my inlaws Sarah and Quenton.... my mom Catherine. Mike's aunt and uncle Dot and Cotton Owens. We miss them all so much.

We've been enjoying the beach and the mountains and hope you'll let us know if you're ever in the upstate or along South Carolina's coast!   

We would love to see you in 2013! Have a WONDERFUL New Year!

 Much love!

 Amy and the gang!

Pictures in the photo gallery below.